Post by David Atkins

Some shirts are more than just shirts. This morning I went out for a four-mile run on a beautiful Sunday in New York. Before I left, I reached into the bottom of my drawer and pulled out a jersey I hadn’t worn in a long time. This isn’t just a cycling jersey. It’s a tribute. It honors three New York State Troopers who left us far too soon. Trooper David Brinkerhoff… my best friend. Trooper Joseph Longobardo… my Academy classmate. Joe had just graduated the Mobile Response Team (MRT), our SWAT team, when he was ambushed and murdered while searching for an escaped inmate. Trooper Michael Strenk… a former Navy SEAL and MRT member who died suddenly from an aortic aneurysm. Their shield numbers are on this jersey. Their names are on this jersey. Their stories are forever in my heart. As I ran today, I thought about the sacrifices they made, the families they left behind, and how quickly life can change. And as my wife was taking these photos, our eight-month-old Australian Labradoodle, Bentley, decided he wanted to be part of the moment too. Somehow, it felt fitting. A small reminder to appreciate the simple moments we have with the people and pets we love. We spend so much time believing tomorrow is guaranteed. It isn’t. Every day we’re given an opportunity to love harder, forgive sooner, chase the dream we’ve been putting off, make the phone call, take care of our health, and become the person we know we’re capable of becoming. Today wasn’t just about four miles. It was about remembering three incredible men who reminded me, once again, that life doesn’t always fire a warning shot. You’re one decision away from completely changing your life. #NeverForget #NewYorkStatePolice #HonorTheFallen #Leadership #OneDecisionAway